Jeff Bridgman Antique Flags
Sold Flags



  CONFEDERATE PARADE FLAG IN THE SOUTHERN CROSS / BATTLE FLAG FORMAT, REUNION PERIOD, ca 1920-30

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 21.75" x 22
Flag Size (H x L): 12.25" x 12.5"
Description....:
Confederate parade flag in the Southern Cross “battle flag” style, printed on cotton, made sometime during the 1920-1940 era. Many people are surprised to learn that this was not the national flag of the Confederate States of America. Officially, in rectangular format, it served as the Confederate Navy Jack. In square format it came to be called "the battle flag", partly because it was carried for that purpose by Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia, as well as by Beauregard's Army and others. It also received widespread love in the South because the three successive national flag designs were not particularly admired by Confederate soldiers.

This particular flag, with its white border, mimics the basic style produced in Richmond in seven consecutive issues with slight variations. In all likelihood the flag was either made for use by the United Confederate Veterans (UCV), which formed in 1889 and served as the primary post-war organization for Confederate soldiers, or for the Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), which was established in 1884 and thus actually pre-dated the men. Few Confederate flags can be found that date to the very beginning of the reunion period, partly because public celebration of war service by Southerners was slow to come, and partly because of the poverty that plagued the South for decades following the Civil War. That changed with the arrival of the new century, which led to an escalation in Confederate flag production.

Mounting: The flag has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton twill, black in color, that was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The mount was then placed in a cove shaped molding that is very dark brown, nearly black, with red highlights, to which a black-painted and hand-gilded Italian molding was added as a cap. Spacers keep the textile away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: There are tears with associated rust stains along the hoist end, where the flag was once affixed to its original wooden staff. There are also repeating rust stains along the top and elsewhere, which resulted from it having been rolled. There is additional oxidation throughout. Many of my clients prefer early flags to show their age and history of use and the patina of this one is beautiful.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type: Parade flag
Star Count: 13
Earliest Date of Origin: 1920
Latest Date of Origin: 1939
State/Affiliation: The Confederacy
War Association: 1861-1865 Civil War
Price: SOLD
 

Views: 2011